Course info

The Role and Policymaking of International InstitutionsASK201F (6 ECTS)University of Iceland – Faculty of Political ScienceInternational Affairs Graduate ProgrammeJóhanna Þórdísardóttir Spring Semester 2019

The number of international governmental institutions (IGOs) has grown considerably since the end of WWII and the interaction between states increasingly takes place within these organisations. This course deals with theories of nature and role of IGOs, such as their many roles in developing regulations for states, businesses and individuals, maintaining peace and security in the world and controlling the international economy. The course also deals with the influence of IGOs on the interaction between states, the position of states within IGOs and the power of IGOs. The focus will be on several specific IGOs and how their functions have changed during the last few years. The IGOs in question are the UN and subsidiary bodies, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the Organization on Security and Co-operation in Europe.

Intended Learning Outcomes/ Course Objectives

Upon completion of the course the student should:

Know the history and construction of international organisations.

Be familiar with the main theories of international organisations.

Understand how international organisations make their policies and how they enforce them.

Be able to compare and categorise the various types of international organisations and their main strengths and weaknesses.

Be able to analyse the influence of international organisations in international affairs.

Be able to use theories of international organisations when analysing their function and influence.